Cassius p. 407. Chap. XXXIX Cassius lays waste the City of Tharsus He joins himself with Brutus They take measures for carrying on the War p. 410. Chap. XL. Cassius attacks Rhodes The siege of that City The taking and desolation of Rhodes by Cassius p. 413. Chap. XLI Brutus enters into Lycia He besieges the City Xanthus p. 417. Chap. XLII The taking of Xanthus The fury and despair of the Xanthians p. 420. Chap. XLIII Caesar and Antonius caused their Troops to pass into Macedonia Cassius joins himself with Brutus Their interview p. 424. Chap. XLIV Brutus sees a Ghost Cassius satisfies him by his Reasons p. 426. Chap. XLV The Forces of Cassius and Brutus Those of Antonius and Caesar. Cassius speaks to his Souldiers p. 429. Chap. XLVI The two Armies draw near each other A description of the City of Philippi and its out-works p. 432. Chap. XLVII The two Armies retrench themselves Their different movements and some skirmishes The uneasiness of Cassius p. 434. Chap. XLVIII Antonius possesses himself of a Post behind the Enemies Camp Brutus resolves to fight contrary to the Opinion of Cassius p. 437. Chap. XLIX The Battel of Philippi Brutus overthrows Caesar's Troops Cassius being defeated by Antonius in despair kills himself p. 439. Brutus's Melancholy His Fleet defeats that of Caesar and Antonius and Brutus knows not of it He speaks to his Troops to confirm them p. 444. Chap. LI. Brutus utterly defeated by Antonius and Caesar p. 447. Brutus's last Words and Death Messala goes over to Caesar with all his Forces p. 452. THE CONTENTS TO THE CONTINUATION CHap. I. After the Battel of Philippi Anthony and Caesar bring their Enemies to punishment They part the Forces of Pompey Caesar goes into Italy p. 457. Chap. II. Anthony goes into Grecia he stays at Athens he goes into Asia where he is honourably received his Speech to the Deputies p. 463. Chap. III. Cleopatra Queen of Aegypt her Character she comes to Anthony their interview Anthony puts Arsinoe the Sister of Cleopatra to death p. 470. Caesar's Sickness He comes to Rome His difficulties in distributing Rewards The dangers he run upon this occasion p. 475. Chap. V. Misunderstandings between Caesar Fulvia and Lucius They come to open War The Negligence of Pompey p. 485. Chap. VI. Fagius Lieutenant of Caesar is overthrown in Africa by Anthony's Lieutenant Caesar and Lucius make preparations of war against each other p. 491. Chap. VII The Forces of the two Parties The Characters of the principal Officers as Agrippa Salvidienus Ventidius and Pollio Lucius is besieged in Perusia p. 496. Chap. VIII The Siege of Perusia Caesar in danger The extreme misery of the besieged p. 501. Chap. IX Lucius resolves to treat with Caesar He Harangues his Souldiers and sends Deputies to Caesar p. 507. Chap. X. Lucius Speech to Caesar his Answer p. 511. Chap. XI Lucius and Caesar part Lucius delivers up the Town Caesar speaks to the besieged Souldiers with indignation he punishes the Senatours of Perusia the Town is pillaged and by accident burnt Tiberius continues the War in the Kingdom of Naples from whence he is driven by Caesar p. 516. Chap. XII The diversions of Anthony and Cleopatra The Prodigality of their Entertainments The ingenuity of Cleopatra p. 521. Chap. XIII Anthony receives the news of his Brother's defeat He resolves for War and makes an alliance with Pompey Caesar marries Scribonia The death of Fulvia Anthony is Master of Domitius his Fleet which yields to him p. 526. Chap. XIV Anthony arrives at Brundusium He is refused entrance The Veterans force Caesar and him to agree They come to a Treaty by the mediation of Cocceius Anthony marries Octavia The punishment and Death of Salvidienus p. 531. Chap. XV. Rome afflicted with Famine the People mutiny against Anthony and Caesar they agree with Pompey his Generosity p. 541. Chap. XVI The People's Ioy upon the first News of the Peace Caesar goes into Gaul and Anthony stays at Athens p. 548. Chap. XVII New Causes of breach between Caesar and Pompey Caesar marries Livia Several Fights between the Lieutenants of Caesar and Pompey p. 552. Chap. XVIII The wreck of Caesar's Fleet. The arrival of Anthony at Brundusium He agreed with Caesar by means of Octavia p. 561. Chap. XIX Caesar puts a powerfull Fleet to Sea commanded by Agrippa He attacks Pompey in Sicilia Lepidus comes to Caesar's assistence Several Actions p. 568. Chap. XX. The Actions of Agrippa against Pompey who beats Caesar's Fleet p. 574. Chap. XXI Caesar gives new Orders for the fighting of Pompey who in a general battel is entirely defeated p. 580. Pompey's flight Lepidus endeavours to make himself Master of Sicily His Souldiers forsake him to serve Caesar who orders the Affairs of Rome with great prudence p. 585. Chap. XXIII Pompey goes into Asia where he makes War The Lieutenants of Anthony fight and take him The death of Pompey p. 593. Chap. XXIV The causes of the division between Anthony and Anthony's unfortunate expedition against the Parthians his return to Alexandria p. 599. Chap. XXV Caesar accuses Anthony in the Senate He declares War against Anthony His Forces p. 605. Chap. XXVI Anthony with Cleopatra goes to Athens Plancus and several others of his Friends forsake him p. 611. Chap. XXVII The Forces of Caesar and Anthony They write sharp Letters to each other Caesar approaches Anthony's Army which lay at Actium p. 617. Chap. XXVIII The battel of Actium The retreat of Cleopatra The flight of Anthony Caesar makes himself Master of Anthony's Navy and his Land-forces p. 623. Anthony's displeasure against Cleopatra He retires into Libya and returns into Aegypt p. 630. Chap. XXX Caesar goes into Italy He pacifies the Souldiers and besieges Alexandria p. 635. Chap. XXXI Anthony defeats Caesar s Cavalry He is forsaken by his men His Despair He wounds himself Is carried to Cleopatra His Death p. 639. Chap. XXXII Caesar enters into Alexandria He visits Cleopatra Her Death The Posterity of Anthony p. 663. THE HISTORY Of the first TRIVMVIRATE Volume I. CHAP. I. The estate of the Roman Commonwealth after Catiline's Conspiracy NEVER was the City of Rome in such danger since its being sack'd and burnt by the Gauls as it appeared to be in the Conspiracy of Catiline It is impossible in the account Salust gives of it without horrour to reade of the Rage the Madness the Debauchery and Ambition of that Man and yet at the same time his Address in managing a design that was to carry fire and sword ev'n into the very Bowels of his Countrey But the wisedom and vigilancy of Cicero hindred its taking effect and Catiline was slain at the Head of those Troops he was leading against the City But neither this man's defeat or death was sufficient to settle so firm a peace in that City but that still she lay exposed to the enterprises which some more Ambitious Senatours than the rest were always forming against her Liberty Nor could their
mortal Caesar struck Casca through the Arm with his Dagger crying out Traitour what dost thou Casca on the other side called his Brother and Caesar would have raised himself but he received a mortal wound in the Breast and all the Conspiratours charged upon him together with so much fury that many of them were themselves wounded he nevertheless made great resistence whirling himself amongst them like a Lion till perceiving Brutus with his Dagger in his hand he then covered his Face and wrapping himself in his Robe went and fell at the Foot of Pompey's Statue pierced with 24 wounds The End of the first Volume THE HISTORY Of the Second TRIVMVIRATE Down from the Death of Caesar to that of Brutus Volume II. CHAP. I. The Troubles and Fears of the Senate and the People of Rome after the death of Caesar. THE death of Caesar brought so much disorder into the Senate and amongst the People of Rome that the Conspiratours soon perceived what they had done was not like to meet with any general Approbation all the Senatours who were not Accomplices fled from the place of Assembly with such haste that it had like to have cost some of them their Lives as they went out of the Doors and the People Alarum'd at the News left all their several Employments some to run to the place where the Murther had been committed and others up and down the City to inform themselves of the circumstances of the matter The Market place was plundered and several Senatours who were retiring themselves in great Terrour were mischief'd in the Tumult In the mean time Brutus who was lookt upon as the chief of the Conspiracy had done all that in him lay to qualify their fears and after the Action had offered himself to declare the motives of it but no body would hear him this proceeding much surprized him and astonished also the other Conspiratours whereof Cassius and he were of the greatest Authority as well by the Charges of Pretor which they then executed as by the particular Merit which distinguished them Brutus by his Father's side descended from that other Brutus who had driven the Tarquins out of Rome and had laid the Foundations of the Commonwealth and by his Mother Servillia from Servillius Hala who had slain Melius for having unseasonably discovered such marks of Ambition as by no means were pleasing to the Senate by which means it seemed as if the hatred of Tyrants had descended into the heart of Brutus by the bloud of his Ancestours and himself in a Letter written to Cicero highly declared That he could not suffer that even his Father should have any Authority above the Laws and the Senate This fierce Opinion as it might be natural to him might also be some excuse for the violence which transported him against Caesar. That great Man had used him with all the tenderness of a Father and though Brutus fought against him in the Battel of Pharsalia gave strict Command to all his Officers to spare his life and after the Battel having pardoned him promoted him to the highest Dignities and one day shewing his Breast to some People who advised him not to trust him too far Do you believe then said he that Brutus cares for such poor pillage as this is At last when he saw him with his Dagger in his hand coming towards him he cried out What my Son and thou too These Opinions were caused by the passion that Caesar had had for Servillia the Mother of Brutus he was not ill received by her and she took such little care to hide it that she used to send him Letters even into the Senate One day when it was debated there what punishment should be inflicted upon the Accomplices of Cataline's Conspiracy one of these Letters was brought to Caesar Cato who was Servillia's half Brother cryed out That it contained some dangerous matter when Caesar for his justification gave him the Tablets which Cato read to himself and then threw hem back to him again calling him Drunkard but did not think fit to make any farther mention of the Letter It was said that Brutus was born in the height of this Amour so that it will need some pains to jâ—stify what he since did to Caesar for that thing excepted all his inclinations were towards Vertue he had moderated the heat of his Temper by applying himself to Learning and the study of Philosophy which though it was then divided into many Sects he was yet acquainted with them all He loved nothing but Glory and avoided Pleasures he was sober watchfull of an invincible Courage Complaisant and Affable in all Conversation and for these Qualities was beloved of the People adored by his Friends and esteemed even by his very Enemies Cassius's Character was of a much different nature he was very stout and in the Parthian War had signalized himself by many brave Actions He had a great and fiery Spirit a quick an sprightly Wit but his Warmth often carried him even into Transport and Violence He was something suspected of Self-interest and not over-exactness in doing Justice In short many are of Opinion that he conspired against Caesar not so much out of the hatred of Tyranny as for the particular Quarrel which he had against the Tyrant CHAP. II. Brutus and Cassius indeavour to justify what they have done before the People who rise upon them They retire to the Capitol THese two Men went out of the Senate at the Head of the Conspiratours with their bloudy Daggers in their hands in this condition they presented themselves before the People and in the first heat several who had no share in the Action desirous to attribute some false merit of it to themselves joyned the Conspiratours with their Swords in their hands amongst the rest Aquinius Dollabella and Pettilius who afterwards by their death paid dear for that impertinence and vanity for though they caused a Cap to be carried before them upon a Lance as a Token of Liberty and though Brutus depended upon the great Name and Example of his Ancestours the People received them with sadness and with silence not giving them any of those Acclamations which they expected so they thought fit to retire to the Capitol causing themselves to be guarded by Gladiatours belonging to another Brutus sirnamed Decimus who was also in the Conspiracy They were not now any longer the People who heretofore had defended their Liberties with a Zeal transported even to Madness all Opinions of that kind had given place to Interest and they were better pleased with some present Gain than any Whimsey of Dominion by which means they were more afraid of Poverty than Subjection Marius Sylla and some others had taught them these Maximes and besides several Strangers and abundance of Freed-men being crept in amongst them had corrupted the purity of the true Roman bloud and debauched their Noble Thoughts nevertheless they came to the Capitol in great numbers and Cassius
their Provisions CHAP. XLVII The two Armies retrench themselves Their different movements and some skirmishes The uneasiness of Cassius THE danger which Norbanus was in caused Antonius to make such extraordinary haste that even Brutus himself was surprized at it The occasion of this quick dispatch was the City of Amphipolis where the Triumviri designed to place their Magazines and Antonius when he understood that Norbanus was retreated thither was very much rejoyced at it he left a Legion there under the Command of Pinarius and then went and posted himself boldly in the sight of the Conspiratours they had very much the advantage of him by the situation of their Camp Wood the Water of the River and abundance of Provisions Antonius on the contrary had no Water but what he drew out of Pits which he had caused to be digged on purpose and his Wood from the Marsh his Provisions came to him very far and were also very scarce In the mean time his boldness amazed the Enemies Army and forced the Generals to make new Works wherewith Cassius filled up all the ground which lay between his Camp and the Marsh by which means the whole front of their Camp was well fortified and their flanks covered Brutus's by the declining of the hill and Cassius's by the Marsh and Sea These Works produced dayly some skirmish or other between the Cavalry that guarded the Pioneers wherein the Conspiratours Party had generally the advantage At last Caesar who had lain sick at Dyrrachium came to the Army and his Troops in Testimony of their joy drew out of their Camp in Battalia Brutus puffed up with the good success which his Cavalry had had in little skirmishes or as he himself said impatient to put an end to the miseries of Mankind by a glorious Victory or a noble Death drew up his Troops also but Cassius persuaded him to stay in his Trenches It is but a vain thing to flatter our selves with that resolution which we pretend to be furnished withall from Reason and Philosophy for it evermore abandons us when we have most need of it and two Presages were able to overthrow all Cassius's Epicurean Principles and which is a greater discovery of humane frailty those Presages which appeared so dreadfull to him would seem but very ridiculous to a great many Men. One of his Officers presented him a wreath of flowers which he was to wear when he sacrificed with the inside outward And he who as the Custome was carried a golden figure of Victory at the head of Cassius's Ensigns stumbled with the Image and fell upon his Nose There were moreover Crows and other Birds of that kind seen flying about the Camp a swarm of Bees was found there too which a Man would think should be no very surprizing thing near Woods and Meadows Nevertheless these Remarks which a man of common sense would now despise were at that time so very considerable that they utterly confounded the mind of Cassius and infected his whole Army with the same frailty which occasioned the loss of that Battel upon which the fate of the Roman Empire depended CHAP. XLVIII Antonius possesses himself of a Post behind the Enemies Camp Brutus resolves to fight contrary to the Opinion of Cassius ANTONIVS very well understood the reason why the Conspiratours avoided fighting he knew that Asia being behind them furnished them with Provisions in abundance whilst Aegypt harassed with Famine could afford none to the Forces of the Triumvirate that Pompey would hinder them from fetching any out of Spain and that Marcus and Domitius defended the passage into Italy so that their onely recourse was to Macedonia and Thessaly which must be soon exhausted Cassius also represented the same thing dayly to Brutus and his Officers but at last the Courage of Antonius overcame all those difficulties he was drawn up against Cassius as Brutus was against Caesar and indeavoured to get possession of a Post which was on the other side of the Marsh behind Cassius's Camp He gave orders for the throwing of Earth upon the Reeds and upon this Earth spread Stones and this kind of Causway he caused to be supported by pieces of Wood driven cross-ways into the Marsh and where the Water was too high made Bridges Antonius every day covered this Work with Skirmishes and as it was secretly carried on a-cross the Reeds the Enemies could perceive nothing but the Towers and Fortifications which they saw upon that Post which lay on the other side of the Marsh Cassius admired the work and Antonius's boldness and that he might in nothing give place to him extended his Lines along the Marsh as far as the Sea and by that proceeding meeting with Antonius's Causway cut it off by which means those of the Triumviri's Forces who were already gotten on the other side of the Marsh became very much exposed It was not doubted in the Conspiratours Camp but that Antonius would doe all that in him lay to disingage his Troops The onely question was how they should receive him whether out of their Lines in Battalia or onely by defending their Lines Brutus carried the dispute for a general Battel chiefly because some of the Souldiers had already deserted This reason prevailed also with all the rest of the Officers except Atellius who still insisted for staying till Winter was over Brutus asked him What advantage he hoped for from such a prolongation what said he to live a year longer This answer added to the disorder of Cassius who heard it and who after the Council broke up went to Supper with Messala This Messala was a young Man of Noble birth who had a great deal of Wit and was very learned for a Man of Quality he became afterwards as I have already observed in great favour with Augustus and had the Command of the best and bravest Legion of that Army Cassius was sad and thoughtfull all the Supper time though he was naturally very gay and as he rose from the Table taking Messala by the hand Messala said he you must bear me witness that I am forc't in the same manner as Pompey once was to expose the liberty of the Roman People to the hazard of a Battel nevertheless we ought to hope well from fortune but we have taken ill Counsel So he retired after having invited Messala to Supper with him the next night the morrow being his birth-day CHAP. XLIX The Battel of Philippi Brutus overthrows Caesar's Troops Cassius being defeated by Antonius in despair kills himself AT break of day there appeared the Coat Armour of Purple upon the two Generals Tents which amongst the Romans was the signal of Battel so whilst that the Troops were putting themselves in a readiness Cassius was desirous to know Brutus's opinion of what they ought to doe in case matters should miscarry Brutus said That he had heretofore in his Writings condemned the death of Cato and maintained what was indeed very true that that manner of avoiding such
to Amphipolis p. 189. Chap. L. Pompey goes to meet his Wife at Lesbos he resolves to retire into Aegypt Achillas Photinus and Theodotus advised the King to put him to Death Pompey slain by a Roman called Septinius p. 192. Pompey's Freed man pays him his last Rites of Funeral The Misfortune of Lentulus p. 197. Chap. LII Caesar pursues his Victory Cassius surrenders himself to him with all his Fleet. Caesar lands in Aegypt The Insolence of Photinus and Achillas p. 199. Chap. LIII Caesar fortifies himself in Alexandria He is attacked by Achillas He seizes upon Pharos Falls in love with Cleopatra He is besieged by the Aegyptians p. 204. Chap. LIV. Caesar receives succours A Sea Fight A disorder amongst Caesar's Troops upon the Peer He saves himself by swimming He restores the Aegyptians their King who declares War against him p. 209. Chap. LV. Mithridates defeats the Aegyptians He joins himself with Caesar who attacks Ptolemy's Camp The Aegyptians routed Their King is drowned Caesar establishes Cleopatra Queen of Aegypt with her Brother p. 213. Chap. LVI Cato retires into Africa and Cicero into Italy where Caesar Pardons him Pompeyâ—s â—s Sons go into Spain Cato joins himself with Scipio and Juba Some broils at Rome p. 216. Chap. LVII Caesar goes into Asia p. 220. Chap. LVIII Caesar returns into Italy His Troops mutiny he appeases them and returns into Africa More Battels p. 224. Chap. LIX Caesar chastiseth some Mutineers and after several movements defeats Scipio and Juba p. 234. Chap. LX. The Death of Scipio and Juba Caesar marches towards Utica The Death of Cato p. 240. Chap. LXI Caesar returns to Rome The Pomp and Magnificence of his Triumphs p. 247. Chap. LXII Caesar goes into Spain where he defeats the two Sons of Pompey the oldest whereof is slain p. 251. Caesar's return to Rome He makes several Laws The extreme Honours which were done him draw upon him the Envy of the Senate p. 257. Chap. LXIV A Conspiracy against Caesar. Presages of his Death He is murthered in the Senate p. 264. THE CONTENTS TO The Second Volume CHap. I. The Troubles and Fears of the Senate and the People of Rome after the Death of Caesar Pag. 271. Chap. II. Brutus and Cassius indeavour to justifie what they have done before the People who rise upon them They retire to the Capitol p. 275. Chap. III. Antonius and Lepidus rally Caesar's Friends Some Propositions of Accommodation p. 279. Chap. IV. The Senate assembles Diversity of Opinions amongst the Senatours Caesar's Ordinances ratified p. 283. Chap. V. New Divisions occasioned by Caesar's Will Brutus and Cassius speak to the People in their own justification They come to an agreement with Anthony and Lepidus p. 287. Caesar's Will read publickly Antonius makes his Funeral Oration p. 291. Chap. VII The Pomp of Caesar's Funeral The Rising of the People of Rome and their Fury against the Conspirators p. 296. Chap. VIII The Artifices of Antonius He procures himself Guards Brutus and Cassius withdraw from Rome Antonius gets the Government of Macedonia for his Brother Cyrene is given to Cassius and Bithynia to Brutus p. 299. Chap. IX Octavius the grand Nephew of Caesar comes to Rome against the Opinion of his Kindred he declares himself Caesar's Heir and takes upon him his Name p. 305. Chap. X. Octavius visits Antonius who receives him very ill His Demands and Antonius his Answer p. 308. Chap. XI Octavius falls out with Antonius He gains the affections of the People Antonius sends for the Macedonian Army into Italy p. 311. Chap. XII Antonius demands the Government of the Cis-alpine Gaul He offends young Caesar. The Souldiers oblige him to an agreement with him Antonius gets the Government p. 315. Chap. XIII New Quarrels between Antonius and Caesar. Cicero declares himself for Caesar. He offends Antonius in his Orations p. 319. Chap. XIV Antonius and Caesar meet at the Capitol They fall out again Caesar raises Troopâ— p. 323. Chap. XV. Antonius joins his Army but is not well received He returns to Rome Two of his Legions desâ—rt him and go to Caesar's Army Antonius's force p. 327. Caesar's force He assures himself of the affections of his Troops p. 331. Chap. XVII Antonius besieges Decimus Brutus in Modena p. 333. Chap. XVIII Hirtius and Pansa chosen Consuls The Decreee of the Senate against Antonius The death of Trebonius Dolabella declared an Enemy to the Republick Honours and Offices allotted to Cassius and Brutus p. 335. Antonius's Letter to Hirtius and young Caesar p. 340. Chap. XX. The Consuls raise Troops for the relief of Decimus which was but one Legion The manner of laying sieges in those times Ventidius raises Troops for Antonius p. 344. Chap. XXI A Battel between Antonius's Troops and Caesar's joined with the Consuls Pansa mortally wounded Caesar's Troops are beaten Hirtius comes to their relief and defeats Antonius p. 348. Chap. XXII Antonius defeated by Hirtius and Caesar. The death of Hirtius The raising of the siege of Modena Brutus writes to Cicero p. 353. Chap. XXIII Decimus speaks to Caesar who treats him ill The death of Pansa His dying words to Caesar p. 355. Chap. XXIV Cassius in Syria He raises great Forces The Conduct of Cleopatra Brutus defeats Antonius's Brother and takes him Prisoner p. 358. Chap. XXV Caesar demands the Honour of Triumph which is refused him He attempts the Consulship by Cicero's interference p. 361. Chap. XXVI Antonius makes his retreat into Gall. He makes himself Master of Lepidus's Army He returns into Italy with seventeen Legions p. 363. Chap. XXVII Caesar pursues the Consulship He speaks to his Souldiers He marches towards Rome The fright the Senate were in p. 365. Chap. XXVIII The Senates want of resolution Caesar enters into the City He treats Cicero ill and is declared Consul with Pedius p. 368. Chap. XXIX Caesar causes Brutus and Cassius to be Condemned with all those who had murthered his Vncle. Antonius persues Decimus who is at last slain p. 373. Chap. XXX Presages which were before the Triumvirate The Alliance of Caesar Antonius and Lepidus called the Triumvirate They meet in a certain Island Their Ordinances p. 377. Chap. XXXI The Decree of the Triumvirate The Proscription Murthers up and down the City p. 382. Chap. XXXII The entry of the Triumvirate into Rome Murthers committed and the sad condition which that City was in p. 385. Chap. XXXIII Some stirs amongst the People The death of Cicero p. 388. Chap. XXXIV The Triumph of Lepidus The Goods of the Proscripts set to Sale Attacks upon the Roman Ladies Their speech to the Triumvirate p. 392. Chap. XXXV Several of the Proscripts escape into Sicily to Sextus the Son of Pompey Some extraordinary Adventures during the Proscription p. 397. Chap. XXXVI The Examples of Several remarkable changes of Fortune p. 402. Chap. XXXVII The end of the Proscription War in Caesar's Lieutenant overthrows Cornificius the Lieutenant of Brutus p. 405. Chap. XXXVIII Dolabella is defeated and slain by
the giving him any account of the matter and his own vexation and impatience hastened on his ruine or to speak more properly the Divine Providence did it which now seemed resolved to put an end to the Civil Wars by appointing a Master over the Roman Empire The next day after the fight Brutus called together the Souldiers of both Armies where after having praised the Valour of his own men and the Victory they had gotten he exhorted them To shew once more how obedient they could be and observe their Generals better than they had done before He gave them to understand the necessities the Enemies were reduced to And that that was the onely cause of their boldness and courage since they would never have sought to have fallen in Battel had they not been afraid of being starv'd by Famine He caused also 1000 Drachma's to be given to every Souldier with a promise That after the Victory they should have the liberty of plundering the two Cities of Lacedemon and Thessalonica by which in the judgment even of those Authours who have appeared most zealous for his memory he strayed very wide of those sentiments of humanity and moderation which he had all his life time affected Antonius also having occasion to speak to his men made a good use of the death of Cassius It is said he an unanswerable proof that our Enemies are defeated they can never dare to dispute the Victory with us since the bravest and most able of their Generals has been driven to so desperate a proceeding but it is our business to force them themselves to this Confession and offer them Battel If they shall be so faint-hearted as to refuse it ye shall see that they will acknowledge themselves Conquered He did not moreover forget to speak of Rewards and promised 5000 Drachma's to every Souldier after which he marched his Troops in Battalia till they came in sight of Brutus's Lines who did not draw out so that though Antonius were himself at the point of despair he omitted not to make his Souldiers sensible how fearfull their Enemies were and dayly to indeavour the bringing of them to a Battel Brutus had moreover other troubles in his Camp Cassius's Troops would hardly obey him and the shame of their having been beaten began to make them Mutinous this forc't him to rid himself of what Prisoners he had taken so the Romans he set at liberty and put the Slaves to the Sword At last Antonius and Caesar who now began to be fit for action being pressed by the ill condition that their Troops were in who by the Rains and the Frost that followed suffered extremely in those deep places where they were encamped made an attempt which succeeded to their wishes and decided the matter CHAP. LI. Brutus utterly defeated by Antonius and Caesar. BRVTVS had since the last Battel quitted an advanced ground which was within the compass of Cassius's Camp Caesar immediately took possession of that Post with two of his Legions who fortified themselves there Afterwards he sent ten other Legions about a quarter of a League from thence towards the Sea with a design to cut off any Provisions from coming to the Conspiratours Brutus on his part caused divers Works to be carried on by which means they were several days disputing for the ground foot to foot by their Works At last Brutus's Souldiers mutined they got together in Troops up and down the Field and demanded What Cowardliness their General had lately observed in them that he could suffer the Enemy dayly to come and brave them with safety that he would give them leave to make use of those Arms and that Courage which their Enemies had been so often made sensible of Brutus for some time dissembled his resentment and afterwards fearing lest they should forsake him which he began already to have strong suspicions of he all of a sudden gave way to the impatience of his People and resolved to put an end to his as well as the Romans inquietudes by the fortune of Arms. It is reported that the Spectre which had appeared to him came to him again the night before this great Battel but that it onely appeared without saying any thing That the Eagle which belonged to his first Legion was covered with Bees and that a certain sweat in the nature of Oil which had the perfume of Roses came from the Arme of one of his Captains in such quantity that it wet several handkerchiefs The Authours of those times also report that the first man whom Brutus's Troops met withall as they drew out of their Camp was a Negro whom they cut to pieces with their Swords The Souldiers of both parties were encouraged from different reasons those of the Triumviri saw that they must either Conquer or die with Famine And Brutus's men were resolved to maintain the honour of their first Victory and that boldness wherewith they had demanded Battel contrary to the Opinion of their General Brutus was in the foremost rank very well mounted Fellow Souldiers said he to his People ye have desired to fight contrary to my Opinion when the miseries which our Enemies were reduced to might have assured us the Victory without any hazard but that did not appear honourable enough for you ye are for buying glory at the price of your bloud and now it lies upon you to complete the business and not to deceive that trust which I have reposed in your Valour On the other side Caesar and Antonius said to their Souldiers Thus ye see now our Enemies in a place where we have a long time wished them they are now no longer covered with those Fortifications which made them so bold before so that their destiny is in your own hands though ye have but one thing to chuse which is to overcome or perish by the most miserable of deaths which is that of Famine After this the two Armies advanced within the reach of their Darts when in the very moment appeared two Eagles in the Air who began a cruel fight together and drew the admiration of all the Troops that which was on Brutus's side was beaten and fled away which so animated the Souldiers of the Triumviri that they gave a great shout and marched on with fury they lanced their Javelins as it had been onely for fashion sake and the Legions came immediately hand to hand The fight was long and bloudy the right Wing which Brutus led drove back that of Antonius but at the same time his left recoiled before Caesar's Legions There was afterwards no more giving of ground and what was won was won by force of Arms like a heavy Engine that can hardly be removed At last Caesar's Cavalry having repulsed those of Cassius who behaved themselves very ill gained the flank of the Conspiratour's left Wing the fear of being hemmed in made them open their Battalions to the right and left that they might make head every way Caesar's Men charged into intervals
the most probable and having most resemblance to the modern Discipline The Romans therefore formed their first Battalions of their youngest raw Souldiers which they called Bo-Hastati the second were those who had served some years and were named Principes the old Souldiers were in the rere and there was the Post of the Eagles which were the Ensigns Colonel and the other Ensigns of the Legions These old Souldiers called Triarii waited the Success of the first Battalions with one Knee upon the ground and leaning upon their Bucklers and still as the first bodies were broke or gave way they retired into the intervals in the rere and then the third line rose up and closing the ranks the Battalions left no interval at all but marched up to the Enemies and charged in one continued front In all these occasions the Horse always acted separate detaches from the Legions and with the light-armed Foot was posted on the Wings or right and left of the Army they were armed almost like the legionary Foot onely their Javelins were longer and their Shields were lighter This is what hath been thought fit to be explained but here the Reader is desired to be so charitable as not to think it done to make any vain shew of reading or learning for every one knows these things are but trifles and very common amongst the learned what is done here is onely for the information of those whose business and emploiments will not permit them to make enquiry themselves among Books of this nature THE CONTENTS TO The First Volume CHap. I. The estate of the Roman Common-wealth after Cataline's Conspiracy Pag. 1. Caesar's design upon Cicero and Cicero's reply to Metellus Nepos p. 9. Chap. III. Concerning Clodius and the return of Pompey p. 14. Chap. IV. Pompey makes the Consuls He ruffles the Senate The Vnion of Caesar and Pompey p. 21. Caesar's Consulship and what follow'd p. 25. Chap. VI. The pursuit of Caesar's Consulship The Affair of Vettius Clodius admitted into the popular Order The Banishment of Cicero p. 29. Chap. VII The Departure of Caesar for the Gallick War and the return of Cicero p. 35. Chap. VIII Cicero unites himself with Pompey who is chosen Consul with Crassus Their union with Caesar after his first Triumvirate p. 40. Chap. IX Pompey and Crassus get themselves invested in Governments The Cause of Division between Caesar and Pompey p 46. Chap. X. The Death of Pompey's Wife Julia The Magnificent Shews he gave the People The Death of Clodius p. 49. Chap. XI Pompey sole Consul Caesar secures himself of the favour of the Roman People p. 54. Pompey's Laws Curio goes over to Caesar's Interest p. 59. Chap. XIII Curio declareth himself against Pompey Caesar returns the Legion that Pompey had lent him p. 63. Chap. XIV Caesar sends a Letter to the Senate They declare War against him Anthony and Curio the Tribunes of the People go to find out Caesar p. 66. Chap. XV. The Passage of the Rubicon and the taking of Rimini p. 70. Chap. XVI The amazement of the Senatours They leave Rome and retire to Capua p. 73. Chap. XVII Some Propositions of Peace between Caesar and Pompey but without any success p. 76. Chap. XVIII The Progress of Caesar. He seizes upon the March of Ancona The siege of Corfinium p. 79. Chap. XIX The taking of Corfinium Caesar gives Domitius and the other Senatours their liberty He writes to Cicero p. 83. Chap. XX. New Propositions for Peace Caesar besieges Pompey in Brundusium Pompey retires by Sea p. 87. Chap. XXI Caesar goes to Rome by the way sees Cicero He seizes upon the money of the publick Treasury and goes into Spain The Siege of Marseilles p. 92. Chap. XXII Pompey gathers together great Forces Fabius enters Spain with the Troops belonging to Caesar p. 96. Chap. XXIII Caesar joins his Army and marches against Petreius and Afranius p. 99. Chap. XXIV The Battel of Lerida p. 101. Caesar's Army reduced to great extremities by the overflowing of two Rivers Cicero and a great many other Senatours go to find out Pompey p. 104. Chap. XXVI Caesar passes the Segre and pursues Afranius and Petreius p. 108. Chap. XXVII Different motions of the two Armies Caesar besieges the Enemies two Generals p. 111. Chap. XXVIII Petreius causes several of Caesar's Souldiers to be slain He decampeth and Caesar follows him but without a design of defeating him utterly p. 116. Chap. XXIX Afranius and Petreius pressed for want of Provision surrender themselves to Caesar with all their Army p. 120. Chap. XXX The Continuation of the Siege of Marseilles and the taking of that City Caesar chosen Dictatour The Defeat and Death of Curio in Africa p. 123. Pompey's Forces The Defeat of Dolabella and Caesar's Lieutenants Brutus goes to find out Pompey p. 127. Chap. XXXII A Mutiny amongst Caesar's Troops He reduces them to their Duty by his Eloquence and Resolution He is chosen Consul with Servilius and makes new Laws p. 130. Chap. XXXIII Caesar with part of his Army goes into Greece some Discourse of Peace but to no purpose Two Armies draw towards one another near Durazzo p. 133. Chap. XXXIV Caesar exposes himself alone in a Skiff to go and find the rest of his Army p. 137. Chap. XXXV The happy arrival of Caesar's Troops in Greece Caelius and Milo raising disturbances in Italy are slain p. 140. Chap. XXXVI Marcus Antonius joins himself with Caesar in spight of Pompey who retreats to Aspargua near Durazzo p. 143. Chap. XXXVII Caesar offers Battel to Pompey who refuses it They both post themselves near Durazzo Caesar hemmed in by the lines of Pompey's Camp p. 146. Chap. XXXVIII A fight between Caesar and Pompey's Troops p. 150. Chap. XXXIX Pompey attacks Caesar's Fortifications The Valour of Sceva Pompey quits his Camp the Treason of Roscillus and Aegus p. 154. Chap. XL. Pompey attacks Caesar's Trenches great disorder amongst Caesar's Troops he confirms them by his Presence p. 158. Chap. XLI Caesar in a great Battel is overthrown Pompey loses the opportunity of totally routing him Caesar's opinion upon that occasion p. 161. Caesar's Discourse to his Troops to confirm them He decamps to march toward Thessaly Pompey follows him p. 165. Chap. XLIII Caesar goes into Apolonia Domitius joins himself with him The taking of Gomphes and Metropolis p. 169. Chap. XLIV Scipio joins his Troops with those of Pompey's They post themselves in the Plains of Pharsalia The approach of the two Armies Pompey's uneasiness p. 172. Chap. XLV Pompey forced to fight against his Opinion His Discourse with Labienus Some Presages p. 175. Chap. XLVI The order of the two Armies The two Generals speak to their Souldiers to encourage them to the Fight p. 178. Chap. XLVII The Battel of Pharsalia The Fierceness of Crastinus The Flight of Pompey and overthrow of his Troops p. 181. Chap. XLVIII Some other Presages reported to Caesar p. 187. Chap. XLIX Pompey puts to Sea and takes in King Dejotarus and goes
this time not in Rome in regard those who had Military Commands were not admitted to stay in the Town Caesar said That considering Scipio was his Brother-in-Law and altogether in his interests This advice seemed to come out of Pompey's own mouth Some other of the Senatours made a more favourable Construction among the rest Marcus Marcellus Sulpitius Rufus and Calidius himself who was of Opinion that Pompey ought to go to his Government for the taking away all pretence from Caesar to believe that those two Legions retained at Rome were designed to prejudice him Lentulus refused to make a report of this Opinion and exclaimed against Calidius and the rest In fine a Decree was formed upon the advice of Scipio in these Terms That Caesar should dismiss his Troops within a certain time and that if he refused Obedience he should be declared an Enemy to the Common-wealth Anthony and Cassius opposed this Decree by that means raising fresh debates which were managed with a great deal of sharpness so that the Assembly did not separate untill it was very late The night was employed in Pompey's private management amongst his Friends and Curio's among the other Tribunes The next day Piso the Censor and Roscius the Pretor demanded five days time to go to find out Caesar and give him an account of the state of these matters which was refused them Lentulus commanding the Tribunes to depart the Senate so that a Decree was published which never was usual but in cases of the utmost extremity that the Consuls and other Magistrates should take care that the Republick came to no damage in pursuance whereof Marcellus the other Consul took a Sword which he carry'd publickly to Pompey who was then out of Town accosting him in these Terms I command you in the name of the Senate that you assist the Republick with the Troops now under your command and speedily levy more From this moment there was a Successour ordered to Caesar which was Domitius designed Consul for the year following All his Governments were disposed of whereof Scipio had Syria and every body took arms in Rome and appeared in a habit of War Caesar failed not of a speedy account of this from Curio Anthony and Longinus who retreated to him disguised in the habits of their Slaves in which condition he shewed them to his Army and took that occasion which the indiscretion of his Enemies presented him withal to make appear the Injustice and Violence of their Proceedings Ye see said he these Sacred Persons forced to conceal themselves in the habit of Slavery to shun the fury of my Enemies and all for maintaining those Privileges which the Laws allowed them and which Sylla himself who spared nothing else never durst Violate But now Pompey who boasts himself to have re-established these Privileges has deprived these Men of them and so much the more unjustly and ungratefully since it was for their supporting of my Interest who have always been true to his though he does not this of his own inclination but it may be easily seen is driven to it by malice of my Enemies Adding moreover That their violence appeared sufficiently by that Decree which was never heard of but when the Commonwealth was in open danger from the fury of the Tribunes or the Seditions of the multitude which did not any ways appear at this time In fine tearing his Robe and falling even into tears he conjured all his Souldiers that they would defend his Honour and his Reputation after having served nine years under his Command with so much glory and success The Souldiers with loud cries answered him That they were ready to revenge the Injuries done to their General and to the Tribunes CHAP. XV. The passage of the Rubicon and the taking of Rimini AMongst the many Warlike Qualities of Caesar his diligence to prevent an Enemy and pursue a Victory was the most admirable he had often surprised others but was never known to have been surprised himself He never carried a Victory but he made himself Master of the Enemies Camp he knew well how necessary and of what importance such a diligence at this time was And what impressions first Exploits make towards the Reputation of any Party And to add moreover a secret upon this occasion he sent some Centurions and chosen Men armed with Swords onely to to put themselves as secretly as possible into Rimini which was the chief Town on that side of his Government For himself he spent the days in seeing publick Plays and the Combat of the Gladiatours at Ravenna and when night came sate himself at Table amongst his Friends but soon rose up again and desiring his Friends to make themselves welcome told them he would return in a moment but that was the least of his Designs for he had ordered some Mules to be taken out of a Neighbouring Mill and put into his Chariot in which Equipage he set forwards towards Rimini with some few of his particular Friends whom he had made privy to his Intention and one Troop of Souldiers it was a troublesome Journey but they resolv'd to undergoe it so that sometimes on foot and sometimes in his Chariot Caesar arrived upon the Banks of Rubicon which is a little River separating the Cisalpine Gaul from the rest of Italy In this place all the misfortunes of that War which he was going to undertake presented themselves to his mind Sometimes he had thoughts of going back again and turning himself to Asinius Pollio We have now says he in our Power to return but if we pass the River our onely retreat must be to our Arms. Some Authours and amongst the rest Suetonius himself gives an account of a Miracle which happened to him upon this Occasion perhaps they have done it onely more particularly to signalize that famous passage of the Rubicon by something extraordinary but however it might be it will not be here improper to recount it Not far from the place where he stood there appeared all of a sudden a man of an extraordinary stature who made very good Musick with a certain Flute or Reed which he plaid upon The Novelty of the sight drew together a great many of the Souldiers and among the rest a Trumpet that belonged to Caesar so soon as they came near to the man he snatched away the Trumpet and sounding a Charge threw himself into the water and went over to the other side no mention is made what became of him onely that Caesar without farther consideration passed the River crying out aloud Let us go where the Gods so remarkably call and where the fury of our Enemies drives us the Lot is cast From thence without making the least stay he marched directly up to Rimini and possessed himself of it without any resistence so with six thousand men onely he began that famous War And after having secured himself of that place of Importance sent orders to his Troops to follow with all diligence CHAP.
taken from him under a false pretence of going against the Parthians and the whole City was up in Arms and therefore to what purpose was all this designed except for his ruine that for all this he was disposed to reduce himself to the last extremities and suffer every thing for the sake of the Republick That Pompey should retire to his Government that the Senatours should discharge their Troops and that every one should lay down his Arms throughout all Italy that Rome should be no more held in Awe but the Assemblies be left to their Ancient Liberty In short that the full Authority of the Senate and the People of Rome should be restored To this discourse Caesar added that matters might be determined better by an enterview between him and Pompey whereby they might agree upon a method of putting this in Practice and take mutual Oaths of assurance from each other Roscius and Lucius returned back to Capua with these Propositions and made report of them to the Consuls and to Pompey They deliberated upon the matter and wrote back their answer in these Terms That Caesar should return into Gaul that he should abandon Rimini after which Pompey should depart for Spain that in the mean while they would continue their Levies till Caesar gave them assurances that this should be performed with all sincerity CHAP. XVIII The progress of Caesar. He seizes upon the March of Ancona The siege of Corfinium IT was not a desire of Peace which carried on this Correspondence matters were too far engaged and the Enmity too openly declared to leave any room for a sincere Accommodation Pompey's business was but to gain time and had great relyance upon the assistence of the Forces of the East which were absolutely in his interest Caesar too depending upon the valour and affections of his Souldiers had no design of quitting his Arms but onely to make it appear as fairly as he could that he had taken them up with Justice His Propositions being but as so many Manifesto's or Remonstrances for as a Politician of those times observed they might easily have come to an agreement but that was none of their business for they both aimed at the Government Caesar found he had no reason to obey the Senate who would have obliged him to retire and leave a good Garrison and disband his Troops so long as Pompey continued in Arms and making new Levies without any certain day fixt for his departure into Spain wherefore without loosing more time he resolved upon action and to that purpose sent Anthony to Arezzo with five Cohorts to make new Levies In the mean time he seized upon Pisaura and Fano and Ancona and upon advice received that Thermus the Pretor was at Fermo with five Cohorts belonging to Pompey he sent Curio thither with three of his upon whose arrival the Inhabitants revolted and obliged Thermus to depart whose Troops deserted him In fine all the March of Ancona submitted voluntarily to Caesar This Progress of his redoubled the fears at Rome whither Lentulus was come back to seize upon the publick Treasures but upon the report that Caesar was coming left the Treasury open and with Marcellus and several others betook himself to flight In the mean time the twelfth Legion came to join Caesar who marched to Ascoli which Lentulus had possessed himself of with ten Cohorts he staid not there for Câ—sar's coming but retreated in confusion a great part of his Souldiers deserting him also the rest joined with Vibullius Rufus who was at that time too raising new recruits whereof he composed ten Cohorts and went to Corfinium to find out Domitius Aenobarsus of whom Cicero makes mention and who was designed to have succeeded Caesar. This man was of an illustrious Family though but of the order of the People but the Merits of his Ancestours had raised them to the dignity of Patricians he was of a fantastical inconstant spirit with a fiery and barbarous humour much like that of Nero after him whose great great Grandfather he was He had with him twenty Cohorts of new raised Troops in Corfinium besides the twelve that belonged to Rufus with these Forces he resolved to expect Caesar. Now as that place was the first that durst undertake to make head against Caesar every body expected with impatience what would be the success of the enterprise Caesar made his approaches with two Legions and was engaged by five Cohorts who defended a Bridge about three miles from the City They were driven back even to the Gates of Corfinium which thereupon was immediately invested Domitius prepared himself for a vigorous defence and wrote word to Pompey That there was now a fair opportunity to hem in Caesar if he would but come up that it would not be for his Reputation to abandon thirty Cohorts besides a great many Senatours and Knights of Pompey's answer was That he was not then in a condition to set the Forces of the Commonwealth upon the hazard of a Battel that Domitius had engaged himself in Corfinium absolutely contrary to his Opinion and that he ought to think of making as fair and speedy a retreat as was possible and come to join himself with the Consuls and the rest of the Senate It was upon this refusal that Cicero became so transported against Pompey in one of his Epistles to Atticus I should have believed said he that Pompey would have had more regard to his Reputation He himself has nourished and made Caesar great and now all of a sudden is grown afraid of him He will hearken to no Propositions of Peace and yet is in no preparation for War He has lost the March of Ancona by his own fault has put himself into Povilla and would go into Greece without thinking fitting to make us in the least acquainted with his Designs In short Domitius presses him for relief and represents to him how much his Glory is concerned in it but Pompey renounces his Glory and retires to Brundusium CHAP. XIX The taking of Corfinium Caesar gives Domitius and the other Senatours their liberty He writes to Cicero Domitius thought it his wisest way to conceal this answer which he received from Pompey and said that the General was upon his march to relieve them in the mean time contriving with the trustiest of his Friends how to make a private retreat The secret could not be so nicely managed but that his very face and all his Actions discovered it so that the Souldiers fell to Mutiny and proposed surrendring to Caesar who had now recruited his Army with the ninth Legion and two and twenty Cohorts raised in Gaul besides three hundred German Horse which a certain Petty King towards the side of Bavaria had sent him Caesar pressed the place with those Troops he had put under the command of Curio so that no means of retreat being left the Souldiers secured Domitius and sent Deputies to Caesar to certifie him That they were
Camp So after having unsuccessfully attempted to kill Volusenus the General of the Cavalry they borrowed what Money they could and carrying away a great many Horses went and surrendred themselves to Pompey who received them with as much Joy as upon so extraordinary an occasion might be expected none of Caesar's Souldiers having yet come over to Pompey though every day some of his took party with Caesar. CHAP. XL. Pompey attacks Caesar's Trenches great disorder amongst Caesar's Troops he confirms them by his presence THE Savoyards who knew where Caesar's Trenches were weakest instructed Pompey in the particulars of it which confirmed him in that design he had before resolved upon He caused Helmets of Ozier-twigs to be made for all his Souldiers and commanded they should fall to digging of Turff when this was done he put a great number of Archers and Light-armed Foot on board the Merchant Ships and Shallops At the same time he carried Sixty Cohorts which he drew out of his Camp and his Fortifications to that part of Caesar's Trenches which was nearest the Sea and farthest from the General 's Quarters At the same time the Vessels who brought the Turff and the Light-armed Foot came ashore in the same place Lentulus Marcellinus the Questor Commanded there for Caesar but he being indisposed Posthumus gave Orders under him That side of the Rampart which looked towards the Enemy was Ten foot high and as many broad with a Ditch of Fifteen foot and Caesar having foreseen that Pompey might by Sea make some attempt upon that Post had caused another to be thrown up parallel to it Five hundred Paces distance but it was not indeed altogether so deep His design was to have made a third which should have joined them both upon the Sea-side But it seeming so cruel a thing to him to harass the Souldiers wearied with throwing up Works which already took up Nineteen thousand Paces of Ground hindred his putting of it in execution In the meanwhile this negligence had like to have cost him his Fortune and all his Reputation Pompey had notice of this fault by the Savoyards so at break of day he came with all those Forces I mentioned to attack the Cohorts of the ninth Legion which were upon the Guard at the Sea-side They were surprised with the Light-armed Foot and Archers from the Ships who immediately surrounded and attacked them with flights of Arrows The Ditches were filled with the Turff which Pompey had caused to be brought thither so his Legionaries planted their Ladders against the Rampart and with their Darts and their Engines overthrew those that defended it The Helmets of Ozier which they had defended them from the fall of Stones which were the onely Arms that Caesar's Men could make use of upon this occasion so these Souldiers being attacked on every side and seeing that the Enemy advanced to hem them in by that part of the Entrenchment which was not Fortified quitted their Posts and turned their backs Marcellinus hearing what had happened ordered some Cohorts to March to their Relief but the fear and confusion of those who fled from the Camp infected them also and all the other Troops which were sent to their assistence served onely to add to their disorder All the Officers of the first Cohort were lost upon this occasion except the eldest Centurion He who carried the Eagle of the Legion seeing himself mortally wounded calling to him some Horsemen I have said he for many years preserved this Ensign with the hazard of my life and now I am dying with the same affection I restore it unto Caesar do not let it be lost by a misfortune which is not yet come upon us but save it to return it to Caesar. So the Standard was preserved but the slaughter every where was great In the meanwhile Pompey drawing near to Marcellinus his Camp where the fear had already got possession Antonius appeared hard by upon an advanced ground with Twelve Cohorts which Pompey perceiving made a halt and Caesar's Troops began to take heart again Caesar arrived a moment after with the other Cohorts and by causing every where thick smoaks to be made gave the signal that Relief was coming And when he saw that Pompey who was retired had forced those Lines whereby he thought to shut him up he found it convenient to change his design and immediately caused a Post to be fortified near the Sea there to encamp himself to the end that he might have the liberty of Forrage and reception for his Shipping CHAP. XLI Caesar in a great Battel is overthrown Pompey loses the opportunity of totally routing him Caesar's opinion upon that occasion AS these Entrenchments were almost completed his Scouts brought him word that there was a Legion Marching on the back-side of the Wood to take possession of Pompey's old Camp To comprehend this we must understand that after the Ninth Legion as we before observed had made head against Pompey's Troops and repulsed them with advantage Casar had posted himself in the place where that action was done The Camp reached as far as a Wood and was not above Four hundred paces from the Sea Some days after Casar had quitted that Post and Pompey took possession of it And because he had more Legions he onely caused another Cover to be made to the first Camp without ruining the old Fortifications so this little Camp served onely for a Platform or Cittadel to the great one He also caused a Line to be drawn from the left Angle of his Camp about Four hundred paces as far as the River for a passage to the Water in safety but a little time after he also changed his design and quitted that Post the lines whereof were still standing This was the place whither that Legion was Marching Casar's Sentinels gave him an account of it and those who from the Hills had observed the motion confirming the News he believed that fortune presented him with this occasion to repair the loss he had before sustained so leaving onely two Cohorts to make a shew upon the Ramparts he Marched in all secrecy with 33 Cohorts in which number was the Ninth Legion although it had lost a great many Souldiers and Officers His Army was upon two Lines and he upon the Left Wing All things succeeded immediately as he expected he arrived at the Camp before Pompey could have any notice of it and the Wing which he headed Charging fiercely upon the Rampart put those who defended it to flight The Battel was very fierce at the entrance which was filled with Turnpikes Puleio he who betrayed Antonius's Army defended it with extraordinary Valour but at last Caesar's Men carried it merely by their Courage and having broke the Turnpikes in pieces they entred within the first Fortification and afterwards attacked the Platform whither the Legion was retreated a great many were killed in this place and the Action had been very fine and of great advantage if Fortune who loves
to shew the power which â—he usurpes over all things and especially in War had not proved unconstant The Cohorts of Caesar's Right Wing searching for the entrance into the Camp followed the outside of that Trench which led them to the River believing that it was the Rampart of the Camp when perceiving their Errour they put themselves upon the Rampart and as there was no body there to defend it passed easily all the Cavalry followed these Cohorts seeking for breaches to enter This unhappy proceeding gave Pompey time to come to their succour with the Fifth Legion putting all his Cavalry before him so that both parts of the Camp which was attacked at the same time discover'd Pompey Marching Embattelled with his legions At sight of this every thing began to change the Legion that was besieged by the hope of this Succour recovered so much courage as to make a Sally and Charge those of Caesar. His Cavalry finding themselves disordered in passing the Ramparts thought of nothing but how to save themselves and his right and left wing being separated were equally terrified with seeing the Horse upon the flight and fearing to be cut in pieces in that strait place hurried through the breaches of the Ramparts with so much disorder that a great many falling headlong into the Ditches the others passed over them to save themselves The Souldiers of the left wing seeing the Succours of Pompey the overthrow of their Friends and the Enemy before and behind them sought to return through the place where they entred At last nothing but disorder fear and a total rout was every where to be seen so that in spight of all Caesar's endeavours himself to retain the Ensigns which fled abundance of them forsook him their Colours Horses and all and run away on Foot One amongst the rest an able and strong Man but confounded with the fear he was in turned upon him the point of his Launce and had certainly killed him if his Master of the Horse at one blow had not cut off his arm At last a Party of Pompey's Horse appearing at the entrance of the Camp forced them to make head in that place Pompey pursued his Victory as far as Caesar's very Camp but durst not attack it in which he committed a fault which cost him dear in the consequence Caesar avouches That his Army might have been entirely overthrown upon that occasion and farther adds That he had been lost without redress could Pompey have known how to have made use of the Victory For this he gives three Reasons That Pompey was afraid of falling into an Ambuscade That his Cavalry amused themselves too long with desiring to force the entrance into the Trenches And that that defeat happening beyond his hopes he knew not immediately how to take the right course To this we may add That in all likelihood Pompey's Troops suffered themselves to be deluded that in spight of him they would follow the Runaways and that he would not engage himself to attack Caesar's Camp knowing well that he left behind him a brave and daring Enemy with a great part of his Forces CHAP. XLII Caesar's discourse to his Troops to confirm them he Decamps to March toward Thessaly Pompey follows him CAesar lost a great many Men upon these two occasions which happened both in the same day Some have given an account of Nine hundred and sixty Souldiers Thirty two Ensigns and a great many excellent Officers amongst others Tuticanus and Felginas who were both Gauls another Felginas of Plaisance Gravius Sacrativir and Thirty Tribunes or Centurions Pompey and his whole Party were much encouraged with the Victory and sent the News of it over all the World reporting That Caesar was totally routed and with what miserable Troops he had left fled before them It is true indeed that reflecting upon his conduct he passed the next night not very pleasantly But as he understood the valour of his Souldiers and knowing that the disorder was occasioned by themselves and not by the vigour of the Enemy having besides been used to the changeableness of Fortune and the effects of a panick Fear where an unseasonable apprehension intangles the greatest Armies and the disorders which the Imprudence of a General Officer or the negligence of any particular Commander may produce he would not suffer himself to lose either his courage or his hopes but he imagined that it might be proper wholly to change the manner of that War and to speak to his Souldiers Therefore he caused them to quit the Fortifications all at the same time and when he had re-assembled them I see nothing says he in this occasion which ought to trouble you and after so many Battels wherein ye have won glory and advantage gallant Men ought not to be discouraged with a little disgrace We ought to thank Fortune for our Conquest of all Italy which cost 〈◊〉 not a wound for our subduing Spain possessed by powerfull Armies under experienced and able Commanders and reducing so easily those rich and fertile Provinces which now lie round us Remember still the good Fortune ye had in passing the Sea to come hither even through the Fleets of your Enemies when not onely the Havens but the very Rivers too were taken up by their Troops If in this last encounter Fortune seemed to have forsaken us correct her Capricioâ—sness by your own Valour and Industry For it is easie to perceive that her fault and not your own has brought upon us the present misfortune the place of Battel was well chosen ye carried the Enemies Camp at the first onset ye beat and put them to flight with your Swords in your hands and if one little disorder one errour of Inadvertency or indeed if destiny it self has deprived us of the advantage we had gotten ye ought to endeavour to recover it by your proper virtue so this Misfortune shall turn to your glory as it did in Gergoria and those who in this Battel have shewn the least fear shall be the first to charge the Enemy in the next After this Harangue he Cashiered some Ensigns but he had not need to make any other examples For the Souldiers offered and would voluntarily have undertaken great Labours to punish themselves They desired a Battel where they might either all die or be revenged Some of the Chief Officers were of opinion that this eagerness ought to be made use of But Caesar thought otherwise so he commanded his Baggage with all the Sick and Wounded to March in the beginning of the night towards Apolonia He gave them one Legion for their Convoy with order to make no stop till they came to the place These orders being executed retaining two Legions in his Camp at Three a Clock in the Morning he caused all the other Legions to March out by the Avenues and follow the Baggage and a little while after making the usual Cries according to the Custome of Military Discipline at that time he departed at
easily to be judged that nothing but a general Battel could be fit to determine that famous quarrel Pompey's Party incouraged by the advantages they had gotten at Durazzo doubted not of success Every proceeding which did not seem to tend towards a Battel was looked upon by them as an Obstacle to their returning into Italy they say Pompey let himself be flattered too much in his Command Domitius called him Agamemnon insinuating that he Commanded over Kings and Favonius after his unthinking manner told the other Senatours that they must not expect that year again to eat the Figs of Tusculum Besides Domitius Scipio and Lentulus were ready to fall out who should have the charge of Pontifex which Caesar was then possessed of all other Dignities were disposed of a great many having sent already to Rome to take Houses near the Place where the Magistrates were to be chosen so to be lodged with more conveniency for pursuing the charges they pretended to and Arrius Rufus would have accused Afranius for having as he said sold Spain to Caesar which made Afranius say upon all occasions Why do not we go and find out that Merchant of Provinces In short every one set his thoughts upon sharing the fruits of the Victory without considering how to gain it But Caesar took another course he endeavoured to incourage his Souldiers by little Combates every day sending out Parties and exercised the young Men of his Legions to mingle themselves amongst their Cavalry and contend for swiftness even with the Horses so though Pompey surpassed in the number of Cavalry yet his being assisted by those light armed Foot were not afraid of them and in one Re-incounter they defeated a great number of them and slew one of the Savoyards that had deserted When Caesar understood that his Troops had recovered their wonted Courage and were desirous to go upon the Enemy he drew out of his Camp and offered Pompey Battel That General had no design to come to blows and thought to have wasted Caesar's Troops by Fatigue and want of Provision He drew indeed out of his Camp but kept himself always under his Trenches at the Foot of the advanced ground where he was posted Caesar could not attack him in that place without great disadvantage so that he resolved the next day to decamp to the end that by frequent motions he might weary out Pompey's Troops who were not so hardened to toil as his He caused all the Baggage to be loaded that night the Tents were already pulled down and a March was founded through the Camp by break of day when he received advice that Pompey's Army was in Battalia far enough from his Trenches Then Caesar caused all his Troops to hault and with extreme joy told them Let us defer our departure my Fellow Sould 〈…〉 nd think of fighting it is that which we have long most earnestly wished for therefore let us not lose the opportunity our Enemies present us withall perhaps they will not be always of this Opinion and it may be hard for us to find them in so good humour another time After this short discourse he drew up his Troops in order and marched them towards the place of Battel CHAP. XLV Pompey forced to fight against his Opinion His Discourse with Labienus Some Presages POmpey was not able longer to hold out against the insolencies and murmurings of his Officers and in fine they had so fully persuaded him to fight that he promised them that he would defeat the Troops of Caesar this was in the Council of War where he was assisted by all the Senatours of his Party I am very sensible said he that the execution of my promise may appear something difficult but ye will not longer doubt of it when I shall have told you in what manner I intend to proceed All my Horse have promised me that they will attack the Enemy upon the flanks before they shall be able to discharge one Dart so we shall carry the Victory without hazarding our Legions with the price of one wound and as you know the advantage which the number and courage of our Cavalry has over those of the Enemy I believe there is no man here present can doubt of the success but will boldly prepare himself to the Battel which is desired with so much earnestness and I hope that ye will maintain the reputation of your Valour so famous over all the world After this Labienus said a great many things in contempt of Caesar's Troops And to the Honour of Pompey think not said he that these are the same Souldiers who conquered the Gauls and vanquished the Germans for I was present there and speak nothing here whereof I am not well informed there is hardly any of those old Souldiers remaining many of them have perished in Battel The Diseases of the last Autumn have destroyed a great many more and the rest are gone to their homes Those Troops which ye see at present are but Recruits of some miserable Peasants raised in the Cisalpine Gaul the bravest whereof were slain at the last Battel of Durazzo Afterwards Labienus took an Oath that he would never return into his Camp if he were not Victour and exhorted the others to doe so too Every one swore in his turn this new kind of Oath re-doubled their hopes and no less their joy Because says Caesar they were persuaded that so great a General as Labienus was would not swear to a thing which he had not been resolved to execute In the mean time there hapned Presages that were not at all favourable to Pompey The night before the Battel he dreamed that he was at Rome in a Theatre he had built and that the people received him with great Acclamations and went to adorn with Trophies the Temple of Venus the Victorious This dream seemed to respect the glory of Caesar who attributed the Original of his Family to Venus at least Plutarch and some other Authours have so explained it There was also seen a light like that of a Flambeau which kindling it self over Caesar's Camp came and fell upon Pompey's And there happened at break of day one of those false Alarums which they call Panick fears Caesar on the contrary had happy Omens and the Diviner who looked into the Entrails of the Sacrifices told him two days before the Battel that he foresaw a change in the present state of his Fortune and that that change depended upon his Courage and the Valour of his Troops CHAP. XLVI The order of the two Armies The two Generals speak to their Souldiers to encourage them to the fight POmpey's Army consisted of five and forty thousand Foot and seven thousand Horse being in all five Legions with the Spanish Cohorts which Afranius had raised after his defeat These Cohorts and those of the Legions were in number 112 seven whereof he left to guard his Camp and all these Troops were upon three lines every Legion making three Battalions viz.
The Hastaâ—i the Principes and Triarii the first Battalion seconding the second and the second the third The Battalions were each of them of sixteen hundred Men drawn up in half Cohorts that is to say two hunred Men in rank and eight Men in file The Legions of Syria were in the middle and Scipio Commanded them The Spanish Cohorts and Legion of Silicia whom Pompey principally relyed on were upon the Right under the Command of Domitius Enofarbus Pompey put himself upon the left where Lentulus Commanded with the two Legions that Caesar had restored in the beginning of the War The other Cohorts were in the same order between the Legions of Scipio and the two Wings The Auxiliary Troops at least those who fought in order as the Greeks did made the body of Reserve For the others Pompey had caused them to draw out without order upon the left with his Archers Slingers and all his Cavalry his Right being fortified with a River that was hard to pass Caesar had onely 24 Cohorts who made but twenty two thousand Men reckoning the two Cohorts which he had left to guard his Camp His Army was drawn up also upon three lines in the same order with Pompey's the tenth Legion was upon the Right and the ninth upon the Left and because that that Legion was weak the eighth was so near it that they both seemed to make but one Body with orders to second one another The rest of the Cohorts being drawn up between these Legions were in the Centre where Domitius Calvinus Commanded Sylla having the right Wing and Antonius the left Caesar put himself at the head of the tenth Legion whose Valour he had often experienced and also to be opposite to Pompey whose design was to fall upon the flanks of Caesar's Troops who soon observed it by his order of Battel so he drew six Cohorts out of all his Troops whereof he composed a body of Reserve he exactly instructed them in what they were to doe and above all gave them to understand that all the hopes of Victory depended upon their Valour Moreover he ordered his third line not to march till they should receive a siâ—nal from him In fine his Cavalry to the number of a thousand Horse covered the right of the tenth Legion The Armies being thus in sight of one another the two Generals went from Rank to Rank encouraging their Souldiers Pompey represented to his the Iustice and Merit of the Cause they defended The advantage of their number strengthened by the assistence of so many illustrious Senatours and the Victory of Durazzo Caesar was contented onely to demonstrate That he had endeavoured by all ways possible to obtain an honourable Peace and if his Enemies had been willing they might have spared the Republick the bloud of so many brave Men. So seeing the impatience of his Souldiers to fall on he gave the signal of Battel CHAP. XLVII The Battel of Pharsalia The fierceness of Crastinus The flight of Pompey and overthrow of his Troops HE had a Voluntier in his Army called Crastinus who the last year was eldest Brigadiere of the tenth Legion This man coming up to Caesar General said he I intend this day to give you reason to speak well of me whether I live or die And then calling to him the Souldiers he had Commanded Follow me he cryed this is the last occasion we shall ever have to acquit our selves of the duty we owe our General and recover our Liberty After these words he advanced and was followed with about twenty six Voluntiers there was onely so much space between the two Armies as was just sufficient for the place of Battel but Pompey had ordered his Men to remain firm at their Posts which Conduct Caesar blamed him for and we may depend upon his Opinion for it and the reasons which he has given in his Commentaries His Souldiers seeing that the Enemy would spare them no ground behaved themselves like Men who very well understood their business and of their own accord made a hault in the midst of their Carriere and after having taken breath a little ran on upon the Enemy where they first discharged their Javelins and then drew their Swords as Caesar had given them orders Pompey's Men received the Charge without the least disorder and then made their discharge and drew their Swords also their word of Battel was Hercules the Invincible and Caesar's Venus the Victorious The Battel was cruel and bloudy as it could not be otherwise between so many brave Men animated by their Glory and particular Interests both sides had an Ambition either to Conquer the Enemy or die upon the spot without appearing the least disordered either with the horrible noise of Arms or the cries of the wounded and dying Men that fell on both sides Crastinus with his little Troop routed the Rank that opposed him and had charged into the middle of the Battalion where he was stopped and born dead to the ground by a wound with a Sword which pierced his head through the mouth and came out at the nape of the neck by this means the Victory became doubtfull in that place when Pompey Commanded his Cavalry to go on It consisted of the chiefest of the Roman Nobility and the Allies all young handsome Men and such as had great care of their Persons At first they made Caesar's Men give ground and had got upon the flank of his Army when causing the six Cohorts to advance which were his body of Reserve he gave them order to march with their Pikes ported and in that manner to charge upon the face of their Enemies This contrivance disordered those young Men and the fear of spoyling their faces put them into confusion so that Caesar's Cavalry rallying charged upon them and brake them to pieces in a moment They had not the courage to rally but galloped full speed to the Neighbouring Mountains All the Slingers and Archers being thus abandoned by the Cavalry were cut to pieces and Caesar's Men following their advantage came and charged Pompey's Troops upon the naked flank They had maintained the fight with a great deal of resolution and though that Charge had disordered them the Allies defended themselves on every side when Casar gave the signal for his third Line to advance so those fresh Troops pouring in upon those of Pompey who were wearied and attacked on every side easily broke them The flight began amongst the Strangers who getting into their Camp and securing what they well could carry away fled full speed though Pompey's right Wing still stood and kept their ground but Caesar's causing a Cry to be given out Of kill the Strangers but save the Romans was the reason that the Romans laid down their Arms and demanded Quarter which was given them accordingly But there was a terrible slaughter amongst the Strangers Pompey seeing himself as he said afterwards betrayed by the Cowardise of those Troops on whom he most depended the
disgraces as Providence sends upon us was a horrible attempt against the power of Heaven and wicked in the eyes of men but that he had now altered his opinion since being no longer Master of one life which he had sacrificed to his Countrey upon the Ides of March he was resolved to change it for a happier if Fortune proved his Enemy Cassius imbraced him and smiling told him Now we may go on upon the Enemy for either we will be Conquerours our selves or we will have no cause to fear those that are so This was doubtless a sure method for the preventing any farther fear but it is very apparent by this discourse that for this resolution they were more beholding to their frailty than to that greatness of Soul whereon they so much valued themselves for it was neither this Opinion nor Caesar's death that deserves those Heroick Titles which Cicero in his Epistles hath given them They afterwards appointed their order of Battel Brutus had the right Wing with Messala and Cassius the left The Triumviri's Army was already drawn up Antonius onely Commanded because Caesar was sick whose Troops had the left Wing and Antonius's the right At last about Noon he marched against Cassius with the party that he headed The inequality of the ground forced his Legions upon such a motion that Brutus's Troops believed they were coming against them so that without expecting the Word or the Commands of their General they advanced to receive them Antonius avoided the ingaging by a motion which he made to the right to go â—â—ainst Cassius He lost some Souldiers there and must have been fallen upon in the flank if Caesar's Army had not advanced Brutus's Souldiers marched without order but with so much heat that at the first onset they overthrew all that opposed them Messala followed by three Legions pushed even into Caesar's Camp who had just left it and was retreated very sick to Antonius's They found his Litter which they pierced several times through and through so that a report began to be spread about that he was slain He has since written That one of his Friends called Artorius persuaded him to this retreat upon the occasion of a dream The slaughter was great in Caesar's Camp and there fell in it 2000 Lacedemonians who fought on his side Three of his Legions were also cut to pieces upon the spot and Brutus must have obtained an intire Victory could he possibly have governed the fury of his Souldiers who would needs engage themselves too far Antonius knew well how to make his advantage of this Errour and without changing went directly upon Cassius who expected him in Battalia upon the advanced ground the Combat was very rough and after several takings and re-takings of each other they fell together Pell-mell with their Swords in their hands In the mean time a Party of Antonius's Souldiers opened a passage through the Lines at the bottom of the Marsh and when they came up charging Cassius's Troops upon the flank overthrew them with great slaughter Antonius Commanded four Legions to pursue the Victory over the Marsh hastening the others to Cassius's Camp which was very ill guarded by reason that all the Souldiers were come forth to the Battel he soon made himself Master of it which raised so great a consternation in the rest of the Army that they immediately dispersed themselves Cassius did upon this occasion all that could be expected from a man of Courage he returned several times to the charge and took himself the Eagle out of an Ensigns hand who was running away and held it a long time before him but he forgot the duty of a General when he so long tamely expected Antonius whom he ought to have charged at the same time that Brutus went on At last his Guards forsaking him he was forced to retreat up to an advanced ground near the City of Philippi He had lost eight thousand Men reckoning the Sutlers that were killed in his Camp But there were once as many slain on Caesar's side from whom there were taken three Eagles and several other Colours by which Brutus believing he had gotten an intire Victory led back his Troops loaden with pillage to his Camp when observing that in Cassius's Camp the Tents were thrown down and perceiving by the number and the Arms of those Souldiers who were within that they were Enemies he immediately detached a body of Cavalry to hasten to the relief of his Friend though by misfortune that relief did but add speed to his ruine Cassius was short sighted and besides the dust which the fight had raised all over the Field hindred him from distinguishing Brutus's Troops Nevertheless he saw confusedly some Cavalry marching and sent Titinius one of his Friends to discover what they were He was received with great cries of joy by Brutus's Cavalry who embracing him asked him What news of his General Cassius perceiving this from the place where he was and believing that those men who ran to embrace Titinius had taken him Prisoner Alas said he to preserve the remainder of a miserable life I have exposed my best friend to be taken At these words he went into a Tent with the Gentleman of his Horse whose name was Pindarus we have no very good account of what passed there but Cassius was found dead of a wound in his Neck and Pindarus never appeared afterwards Titinius arrived within a moment with the Cavalry and all rejoycing but their joy was soon turned into a sad affliction and Titinius after having accused himself of folly and laziness slew himself upon the body of his Friend CHAP. L. Brutus's Melancholy His Fleet defeats that of Caesar and Antonius and Brutus knows not of it He speaks to his Troops to confirm them BRVTVS was extremely sorrowfull for the death of his Companion whom he called the last of the Romans and causing his body privately to be removed sent it to Thasos to pay him the last Offices of Funeral In the mean time he told his Friends That he thought him very happy in that he was now beyond the reach of those misfortunes which remained yet for them to suffer In effect his death utterly discomposed the whole affairs of the Conspiratours and it will not be improper to say that Cassius killed himself in despight of his good Fortune Several have reported that he knew of Brutus's Victory and that the same day whereon they fought at Philippi they overthrew Caesar's Fleet which was carrying Provisions to the Triumviri together with a strong relief consisting of two Legions and Caesar's Company of Guards Marcus and Domitius had performed this good service against another Domitius sirnamed Calvinus who in this fight either by the Sword or by fire lost the best of his Souldiers and almost all his Ships This defeat must have ruined the Triumviri beyond all hopes of recovery had Brutus but been informed of it but the negligence or malice of some of his Officers hindred